Germany passport and visa photo requirements

The passport photo and the visa photo are separate rules, for different people. Every figure below was read on an official Germany government page; the page and the date are beside it. "Not stated" means the page does not say, and we will not fill the gap.

Germany passport photo

For Germany's own citizens applying for or renewing a Germany passport.

Printed size
35 x 45 mm bundesdruckerei.de · read
Digital size
Not stated on the official page
Head size
optimal face height 32-36 mm (age 10+); 22-36 mm (age 6-9) bundesdruckerei.de · read
Eye line
Not stated on the official page
Background
single colour, preferably light grey bundesdruckerei.de · read
Glasses
eyes recognisable, not covered bundesdruckerei.de · read
Digital file
Since 1 May 2025 digital only, taken at the authority or sent by cloud from a photo provider (file spec not published) bundesdruckerei.de · read
How recent
Not stated on the official page

This service takes the photo digitally itself, so the resizer does not offer it.

Official page: bundesdruckerei.de

Germany visa photo

For visitors applying for a visa or permit to travel to Germany.

Germany is in the Schengen area, so its visa photo follows the common EU rule. The photo must meet the ICAO 9303 standard. A non-compliant photo is not accepted. home-affairs.ec.europa.eu · read

Consulates add their own detail. Check the one you apply through.

A photo that matches every published figure can still be refused. The issuing authority decides, at the time you apply.

Newest read 4 October 2026. Check every figure against the government page.